Can vegans eat rice krispie treats? Unpacking the ingredients and making a plant-based version

According to a 2021 study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, approximately 2% of the US population identifies as vegan, often sparking questions about traditional treats. The answer to 'Can vegans eat rice krispie treats?' depends entirely on the ingredients used, as the classic recipe contains animal products.

Quick Summary

Traditional Rice Krispie treats are not vegan due to gelatin in marshmallows, dairy butter, and animal-derived Vitamin D3 in Kellogg's cereal. However, they can be easily made vegan at home with simple ingredient swaps, such as plant-based marshmallows and butter.

Key Points

• Traditional treats are not vegan: The standard recipe for Rice Krispie treats is not vegan due to the use of animal products like gelatin in marshmallows, dairy butter, and Vitamin D3 in Kellogg's cereal.

• Hidden animal ingredients: The main non-vegan components are gelatin (from animal collagen), dairy butter, and Vitamin D3 (from lanolin).

• Easy vegan alternatives exist: You can easily find plant-based marshmallows (e.g., Dandies), vegan butter (e.g., Earth Balance), and vegan rice crisp cereals (e.g., Nature's Path) to make a compassionate version.

• Making a vegan recipe is simple: The process for making vegan rice krispie treats is almost identical to the traditional method, involving melting vegan butter and marshmallows before mixing in the cereal.

• Customization is key: The vegan base recipe can be customized with various additions like vegan chocolate, nut butter, or sprinkles to create unique and delicious flavor combinations.

• Check labels for D3: Always check the ingredients list on puffed rice cereal, as many brands are fortified with animal-derived Vitamin D3.

The Non-Vegan Ingredients in Traditional Rice Krispie Treats

For many, Rice Krispie treats are a nostalgic childhood snack, but the classic recipe, popularized by Kellogg's, contains several animal-derived ingredients. This makes them off-limits for those following a vegan diet, which excludes all animal products, including dairy and animal byproducts. Understanding these specific components is the first step toward creating a delicious, plant-based alternative.

Gelatin in Marshmallows

The most significant hurdle for vegans is the marshmallows. Traditional marshmallows use gelatin to achieve their signature chewy, puffy texture. Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, obtained by boiling the bones, skin, and ligaments of animals, most commonly cows and pigs. While the amount of gelatin in a single marshmallow might be small, its presence makes the entire product non-vegan.

Dairy Butter

Traditional recipes typically call for dairy butter, which is derived from milk. This is another straightforward reason why the treats are not vegan. Fortunately, this is one of the easiest ingredients to swap out, with a wide variety of vegan butter and margarine options now available in most supermarkets. Some recipes also use coconut oil, which works well and adds a distinct flavor.

Vitamin D3 in Cereal

Many conventional puffed rice cereals, including Kellogg's branded Rice Krispies, are fortified with Vitamin D3. This is a particularly tricky hidden ingredient, as Vitamin D3 is commonly sourced from lanolin, the oil that comes from sheep's wool. Since this is a direct animal byproduct, it is not considered vegan. It's essential for vegans to check the label and seek out cereals specifically fortified with Vitamin D2 (which is plant-based) or a brand that does not fortify with Vitamin D at all. Many organic or generic store brands offer vegan-friendly options.

Creating Your Own Vegan Rice Krispie Treats

Making a delicious vegan version of this classic treat is simple and requires only a few key ingredient substitutions. The result is a snack that is just as gooey and satisfying as the original, without any animal products.

Essential Vegan Ingredient Swaps

To make vegan Rice Krispie treats, you will need the following:

• Vegan Crispy Rice Cereal: Opt for a brand that is not fortified with Vitamin D3. Brands like Nature's Path Organic Crispy Rice, One Degree Organic Foods Sprouted Brown Rice Crisps, or Whole Foods 365 brand are excellent choices. Always double-check the ingredients list to be sure.
• Vegan Marshmallows: This is the most crucial swap. Thankfully, many companies now make vegan marshmallows using plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar, carrageenan, or pectin instead of gelatin. Dandies is one of the most widely available and popular brands for this purpose. Trader Joe's also offers a vegan version seasonally.
• Vegan Butter: Use a high-quality vegan butter stick, such as Earth Balance, Miyoko's Creamery, or Country Crock Plant Butter. These mimic the flavor and function of dairy butter perfectly. For a different flavor profile, you can also use coconut oil.

A Simple Vegan Rice Krispie Treat Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp vegan butter
• 10 oz vegan marshmallows (mini melt faster)
• 6 cups vegan crispy rice cereal
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Grease an 8x8 inch pan with a little extra vegan butter or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large pot, melt the vegan butter over low-medium heat.
3. Add the vegan marshmallows and stir continuously until they are mostly melted into a gooey mixture. It's normal for vegan marshmallows to retain a slightly chunkier texture than their gelatin-based counterparts.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, if using.
5. Quickly fold in the crispy rice cereal until it is fully coated.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Using a lightly greased spatula or your hands, press the mixture down gently into an even layer. Do not press too hard, as this can make the treats dense and hard.
7. Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for at least an hour before cutting into squares.

Nutritional Comparison: Vegan vs. Traditional Treats

Switching to a vegan recipe not only makes your treats cruelty-free but can also alter the nutritional profile. While both versions are a sugary dessert, the source of ingredients changes.

Feature	Traditional Rice Krispie Treats	Vegan Rice Krispie Treats (Homemade)
Marshmallow Base	Contains gelatin (animal byproduct) and refined sugar often processed with bone char.	Plant-based marshmallows, often using agar-agar or pectin. Organic vegan marshmallows may use organic sugar, avoiding bone char processing.
Fat Source	Dairy butter, containing milk fat and other components.	Vegan butter or margarine, made from plant oils like coconut, palm, or soybean. Coconut oil is another option.
Vitamin D	Often fortified with animal-derived Vitamin D3 from lanolin.	Vegan cereal is either unfortified or uses plant-based Vitamin D2.
Other Ingredients	May contain other non-vegan colorings or flavorings depending on the brand.	Can include healthier options like brown rice crisps, offering more fiber. Some people also add nut butter or seeds for extra nutrition.
Flavor & Texture	Classic, chewy, and gooey texture with dairy flavor.	Can be equally gooey, with a subtle difference depending on the vegan marshmallows and butter used. Allows for more flavor creativity.

Conclusion: The Plant-Based Solution

While the answer to 'Can vegans eat rice krispie treats?' for the traditional version is a definite no, this doesn't mean vegans have to miss out. By understanding the specific animal-derived ingredients—gelatin in marshmallows, dairy in butter, and Vitamin D3 in the cereal—vegans can easily make delicious plant-based alternatives. A wide array of vegan marshmallows, plant-based butters, and vegan-friendly cereals are readily available, making the substitution process simple and accessible. Crafting your own batch not only ensures the ingredients are in line with your dietary ethics but also offers the chance to experiment with flavors and add-ins. So, whether you're a lifelong vegan or simply curious, a perfectly gooey and compassionate rice krispie treat is only a few ingredient swaps away. For more vegan recipes and dietary insights, you can consult resources like HappyCow or your local vegan community.

Customizing Your Vegan Rice Krispie Treats

Once you have the basic vegan recipe down, the possibilities for customization are endless. You can add flair and flavor with a few simple additions:

• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt vegan chocolate chips with a teaspoon of coconut oil and drizzle over the cooled treats.
• Nut Butter Version: Add a half cup of your favorite peanut or almond butter to the melted marshmallow mixture for a richer, nuttier flavor.
• Colorful Sprinkles: Stir in some vegan-friendly rainbow sprinkles before pressing the mixture into the pan for a funfetti effect.
• Extra Crunch: Mix in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.

Storing Your Vegan Treats

Store leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature. For a chewier texture, you can pop them in the fridge for a little while before serving. They will last for up to a week, though they rarely last that long!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary reason regular marshmallows are not vegan?

Regular marshmallows contain gelatin, a gelling agent derived from animal collagen, which makes them unsuitable for a vegan diet.

Which vegan marshmallow brands are best for making treats?

Dandies and Trader Joe's vegan marshmallows are popular choices that melt well and are widely available in stores or online.

Why is Kellogg's brand Rice Krispies cereal not vegan?

Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal is not vegan because it is fortified with Vitamin D3, which is typically sourced from lanolin, an oil derived from sheep's wool.

What are some examples of vegan-friendly crispy rice cereal?

Good vegan options include Nature's Path Organic Crispy Rice Cereal, One Degree Organic Foods Brown Rice Crisps, and the 365 brand from Whole Foods.

Can I use coconut oil instead of vegan butter in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute coconut oil for vegan butter. It will still bind the treats effectively and may add a subtle coconut flavor.

Do I need to press the treats into the pan firmly?

It is best to press the mixture gently into the pan. Pressing too hard can compress the cereal and result in a denser, harder treat.

Where can I find vegan marshmallows and other vegan ingredients?

Vegan marshmallows can be found at most health food stores, specialty vegan stores, and online retailers. Vegan butter and cereals are available at many mainstream grocery stores.

Is vegan marshmallow fluff a good substitute?

Using vegan marshmallow fluff can be a good substitute, and it may make the melting process easier. Some prefer the texture it creates over standard vegan marshmallows.